SEARCHING FOR WHALES

This past weekend, was my birthday. To celebrate, my two sisters, Trinity and I went to Newport Beach and had a wonderful breakfast.

We then headed to Balboa Island and went on a Whale Watching Tour.

As we left, the sun was shinning and trying to burn off the morning haze.

Once we got out into the sea the sky was clear, the water blue and the wind was blowing. It got a big chilly out there. Plus, the sea was really choppy, though it doesn't look like it in this photo.

I love being out on the water and getting to a place where you can't see land. I think that is why I love to cruise. Plus, I love the rocking of the boat.

We searched and searched but couldn't find a whale in sight.

Then we turned around and got closer to the shore. There were reports of dolphins there.

To be honest, I would rather see the dolphins then whales anyway. I was really hoping to see some.

Before I knew it, I heard my sisters yelling "There is one! No, there are two!".

It was really hard to capture them with my camera though. By the time it clicked the picture, they were already back under the water.

You can click on the photo above and then you should be able see them.

Off in the distance we heard the clanging of the bell on the buoy. So we went closer. Look what we found!

A bunch of lazy sea lions all sunbathing. How cute.

One the way back in this guy decided to take a rest and catch a ride with us.

After the tour was over, we walked around the fun zone awhile and had lunch at one of the pizza places. Then we got in our car and headed home.

We decided to take the ferry home.

Good bye Balboa! See you soon.

We didn't see any whales but we had a lot of fun and the best part was, we got free tickets to go back again. You see, they guarantee you will see a whale or you can keep going back until you do.

WANT TO COME FOR A WALK AT THE BEACH WITH ME?

Today was a very pretty day outside. Not as hot as it has been. Which is always a good thing to me. I'm not one who likes the heat. Most hot days you will find me inside with the air conditioner on.

But not today! My nephew, Jason and his daughter, Trinity, went for a nice long walk with me down by the beach. We went to Balboa.

Not long into our walk we came up to the Pier and noticed that Ruby's Diner was at the end. So we decided to walk down there and have lunch.


The beach wasn't that crowded.

The water was beautiful! Normally the water here is more gray then blue. So seeing it when it's a pretty aqua blue is a real treat.

As we walked we came across this machine where you can put a few coins in and then look around at things as they seem much closer. You know, those machines that are just like binoculars.

I don't know why, but, these remind me of when I was a kid. I loved to look through them. Sadly, I didn't have any change on me or I would have taken a peek today.

There were several people fishing off the pier today. I hate seeing that. I always feel so sorry for the fish as they gasp for their last breath after they are reeled in.

We have been having big waves here in So. California the past week or so. They weren't very large today but you sure could tell by the slope of the shore they had been pounding away.

The shore was pretty steep. The water would go out pretty far and people would walk to the edge of where the water and sand met. Then the waves would come in and soon those people were up to their necks in water.

They were all pretty safe though because the Life Guards were training a new set of Jr. Life Guards. So if anyone started to need help there was plenty near by.

After we ate lunch (I had a lite veggie burger and diet coke) we continued on with our walk

We went to the end of the sand area where there is a sidewalk right in front of the beach houses.

There were several people out walking, riding bikes, on skates and pushing strollers.

There was this one small stretch of beach that had cactus. That was odd to see. Cactus and beach just doesn't go together.

I loved seeing all the beach homes. I of course was dreaming about living in one and watching the sun set as I sat outside having a nice cold drink.

We walked as far as we could go until the sidewalk went away. Then we crossed the street and walked back.

It was so nice to spend time with Jason and Trinity and just talk and laugh together.

Before we got to our car we came upon the Fun Zone. It's always fun to go there so I asked if they wanted to stop by and play a few games. Both said yes so we did.

The Fun Zone is an area in Balboa where they have a few carnival rides, a place to play games, go whale watching or take a boat cruise. There are shops and places to eat and it's just a fun atmosphere.

We went to the area where you can play games and win tickets that you later cash in for small prizes.

Here is Trinity and Jason playing one of the games.

Here they are again, after Trinity cashed in her tickets. Her daddy also won her a stuffed animal in one of those machines with the claw.

We then headed back to our car and drove home.

I not only had fun but I also had a nice healthy lunch. I also got some much needed exercise in by all the walking. All good for my diet!

Day two and I'm doing good!